Model year record

2002 Isuzu Rodeo recalls & problems

The 2002 Isuzu Rodeo has 2 safety recalls and 101 owner complaints on file with NHTSA. The most-reported problem area is structure (22 complaints).

Recalls2safety recalls

Complaints101filed by owners

Crashes · fires8 · 1reported in complaints

Injuries · deaths7 · 0reported in complaints

2002 Isuzu Rodeo in an NHTSA crash test — NHTSA crash test

Safety recalls

SuspensionSep 22, 2010

Rear

Recall 10V436000149,992 vehiclesopened after NHTSA action (ODI)

Problem: ISUZU IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 1998-2002 ISUZU RODEO AND MODEL YEAR 2002 ISUZU AXIOM VEHICLES, AND HONDA IS RECALLING CERTAIN 1998-2002 HONDA PASSPORT VEHICLES, THAT WERE ORIGINALLY SOLD, OR ARE CURRENTLY REGISTERED, IN THE STATES OF MAINE, NEW HAMPSHIRE, VERMONT, MASSACHUSETTS, RHODE ISLAND, CONNECTICUT, NEW YORK, NEW JERSEY, PENNSYLVANIA, DELAWARE, MARYLAND, THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA, WEST VIRGINIA, OHIO, INDIANA, MICHIGAN, ILLINOIS, WISCONSIN, MINNESOTA, IOWA, MISSOURI, AND KENTUCKY. VEHICLES THAT HAVE EXPERIENCED SUSTAINED EXPOSURE TO HIGHLY CORROSIVE MATERIALS USED IN SOME JURISDICTIONS FOR ROAD DEICING PURPOSES MAY EXPERIENCE EXCESSIVE CORROSION IN THE VICINITY OF THE FORWARD MOUNTING POINT BRACKET FOR THE LEFT OR RIGHT REAR SUSPENSION LOWER LINK PRIOR TO THE TIME THAT SUCH CORROSION WOULD NORMALLY BE EXPECTED.
Risk: EXCESSIVE CORROSION MAY RESULT IN THE LEFT OR RIGHT REAR SUSPENSION LOWER LINK BRACKET BECOMING DETACHED FROM THE FRAME, WHICH CAN AFFECT VEHICLE HANDLING AND POTENTIALLY CAUSE A CRASH.
Fix: DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE REAR SUSPENSION LOWER LINK BRACKET AREA. FOR VEHICLES IN WHICH LITTLE OR NO CORROSION IS FOUND, THE AREA WILL BE TREATED WITH AN ANTI-CORROSIVE COMPOUND. FOR VEHICLES IN WHICH CORROSION HAS DAMAGED THE REAR SUSPENSION LOWER LINK BRACKET AND AFFECTED ITS CONNECTION TO THE VEHICLE FRAME, A REINFORCEMENT BRACKET WILL BE INSTALLED. IN THE RARE EVENT THE CORROSION IS SO SEVERE THAT THE REINFORCEMENT BRACKET REMEDY WOULD NOT BE APPROPRIATE, A REPURCHASE OFFER WILL BE EXTENDED TO THE VEHICLE'S OWNER. ALL INSPECTIONS AND REMEDIES WILL BE PROVIDED FREE OF CHARGE FOR VEHICLES THAT ARE 10 YEARS OLD OR LESS. FOR VEHICLES OLDER THAN 10 YEARS, ISUZU WILL OFFER A FREE REMEDY, BUT ONLY IF THE VEHICLE IS PRESENTED TO AN ISUZU SERVICE FACILITY, OR HONDA DEALER (AS APPLICABLE), DEALER WITHIN 12 MONTHS OF WHEN OWNER NOTIFICATIONS WERE ISSUED. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON DECEMBER 10, 2010. ISUZU OWNERS MAY CONTACT ISUZU AT 1-800-255-6727. HONDA OWNERS MAY CONTACT HONDA AT 1-800-999-1009.

Fuel system, gasolineOct 7, 2005

Delivery › Fuel pump

Recall 05V46600015,515 vehicles

Problem: CERTAIN SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES THAT HAVE BEEN EXPOSED TO FUEL CONTAMINATED WITH SILICON MAY DEVELOP SMALL PIN HOLES IN THE FUEL PUMP FEED PORT. SILICON HAS BEEN IDENTIFIED IN THE FUEL SYSTEMS OF AFFECTED VEHICLES AND IN CERTAIN FUEL AVAILABLE IN THE REGION OF TYLER, TEXAS. THIS RECALL WILL BE LAUNCHED FOR VEHICLES REGISTERED IN TEXAS AND THE FOUR SURROUNDING STATES: OKLAHOMA, ARKANSAS, NEW MEXICO AND LOUISIANA.
Risk: A FUEL LEAK COULD LEAD TO A VEHICLE FIRE.
Fix: FOR VEHICLES REGISTERED IN THE STATES IDENTIFIED ABOVE, DEALERS WILL PROVIDE A NEW COVER OVER THE EXISTING FEED PORT ON THE FUEL PUMP OR, IF THE EXISTING FEED PORT HAS ALREADY BEEN DAMAGED, DEALERS WILL INSTALL A NEW FUEL PUMP THAT IS EQUIPPED WITH THE NEW COVER. THE NEW COVER WILL BE MADE OF A DIFFERENT MATERIAL. THE RECALL BEGAN ON NOVEMBER 25, 2005. OWNERS MAY CONTACT ISUZU AT 1-800-255-6727.

Recall repairs are free at any authorised dealer. A recall listed here may already have been fixed on a particular car: enter its 17-character VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see open recalls.

Crash test ratings

2002 Isuzu Rodeo 4-DR.

OverallNot Rated

Frontal crash	Not Rated
Side crash	Not Rated
Rollover	★★★★★

NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings (New Car Assessment Program). Ratings are comparable only between vehicles of similar size and weight, and ratings from 2011 on use tougher tests than earlier years. Photos: NHTSA.

Fuel economy

Rodeo 2WD

18mpg combined

City / highway	17 / 21 mpg
Fuel	Regular Gasoline

2.2 L · 4 cyl · Manual 5-spd · Rear-Wheel Drive · about $3,700/year to fuel

Rodeo 2WD

17mpg combined

City / highway	15 / 20 mpg
Fuel	Regular Gasoline

3.2 L · 6 cyl · Automatic 4-spd · Rear-Wheel Drive · about $3,950/year to fuel

Rodeo 2WD

17mpg combined

City / highway	15 / 19 mpg
Fuel	Regular Gasoline

3.2 L · 6 cyl · Manual 5-spd · Rear-Wheel Drive · about $3,950/year to fuel

Rodeo 2WD

17mpg combined

City / highway	16 / 20 mpg
Fuel	Regular Gasoline

2.2 L · 4 cyl · Automatic 4-spd · Rear-Wheel Drive · about $3,950/year to fuel

Rodeo 4WD

17mpg combined

City / highway	15 / 19 mpg
Fuel	Regular Gasoline

3.2 L · 6 cyl · Manual 5-spd · 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive · about $3,950/year to fuel

Rodeo 4WD

16mpg combined

City / highway	15 / 19 mpg
Fuel	Regular Gasoline

3.2 L · 6 cyl · Automatic 4-spd · 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive · about $4,200/year to fuel

EPA estimates from fueleconomy.gov for each engine and transmission sold. Annual cost is the EPA's estimate for 15,000 miles a year at its current fuel and electricity price assumptions. Your results will vary.

What owners report

Problem area	Complaints	Crashes	Fires	Injuries	Typical mileage*
StructureFrame and members; Body	22	1	0	0	100,000 mi
Power trainAutomatic transmission; Clutch assembly	18	1	0	0	55,500 mi
Engine and engine coolingEngine; Exhaust system › Emission control	16	0	0	0	27,000 mi
SuspensionRear; Front	15	1	0	0	114,000 mi
Service brakes, hydraulicAntilock/traction control/electronic limited slip; Foundation components › Disc › Rotor	14	0	0	0	27,500 mi
VisibilityGlass, side/rear; Defroster/defogger/hvac system › Rear window	7	0	0	0	36,000 mi
Air bagsFrontal	6	5	0	7	92,500 mi
Electrical systemIgnition; Wiring	4	0	0	0	—
Fuel system, gasolineDelivery › Fuel pump	3	0	1	0	—
Service brakes, airAntilock; Antilock › Abs warning light	2	0	0	0	—
Latches/locks/linkagesHood › Latch	2	0	0	0	—
Exterior lightingBack up lights; Brake lights	2	0	0	0	—

*Median odometer reading when the problem happened, where owners gave one. One complaint can name several problem areas.

Recent owner complaints

Structure
The contact owns a 2002 Isuzu Rodeo. The contact recently became aware of severe corrosion on the frame of the vehicle. The contact stated that the vehicle was repaired under NHTSA Campaign Number: 10V436000 (Suspension) approximately 10 years ago. The contact believed that the recall repair should have covered more than just the rear suspension and that the entire subframe should have been included. The vehicle was taken to two independent Collision Centers and was advised that the cost of repair exceeded the value of the vehicle, and the vehicle was declined to be repaired. The manufacturer was informed of the failure. The failure mileage was 91,819.
Dec 2, 2025 · 91,819 miles
Fuel system, gasolineFire
The contact owns a 2002 Isuzu Rodeo. The contact stated that while driving at approximately 50 MPH, the vehicle stalled. The contact stated that as she was coasting to the right to stop on the shoulder, she observed that there was smoke in the cabin. The contact stated that after she stopped, she opened the driver's side passenger door and saw that smoke was emitting from under the passenger seat, which had been folded over in "cargo mode." The contact lifted the seat and saw that the seat back was melted, with a black spot in the center. The contact stated that she had a cooler in the back that was full of water, and she poured all of it behind and under the seat. The contact saw that the…
Sep 13, 2025 · 117,000 miles
Suspension
The contact's son owns a 2002 Isuzu Rodeo. The contact stated while driving downhill at 40 MPH around a curve with a child sitting in the rear seat, the brake pedal was depressed but the vehicle failed to respond. Additionally, the contact stated that upon turning the steering wheel, the vehicle failed to respond as needed. The contact continued driving until the vehicle responded. The contact stated that the failure reoccurred while her son was driving the vehicle. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that the subframe was severely fractured. An unknown dealer was notified of the failure. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and informed the…
Feb 5, 2022 · 105,370 miles
Structure › Body
Frame rust condition which makes the SUV un repairable
Nov 10, 2021
Structure › Frame and members
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 ISUZU RODEO. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT APPROXIMATELY 35 MPH, THE SPARE TIRE DETACHED FROM THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT TOOK THE VEHICLE TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHO DIAGNOSED THAT THE FRAME OF THE VEHICLE WAS RUSTED OUT. THE DEALER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE BUT DID NOT OFFER ANY FURTHER ASSISTANCE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 88,000. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE.
Jul 19, 2017 · 88,000 miles
Suspension
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 ISUZU RODEO. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THERE HAD BEEN EXTENSIVE RUST AND CORROSION NEAR THE AXLES. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INSPECTED AND DIAGNOSED BY AN AUTHORIZED DEALER. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE AND INDICATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS EXCLUDED FROM AN UNKNOWN RECALL CAMPAIGN BECAUSE NEBRASKA WAS NOT CONSIDERED A SALT BELT STATE. THE MANUFACTURER OFFERED NO SOLUTION. THE VEHICLE WAS UNABLE TO BE DRIVEN DUE TO THE FAILURE OF COMPONENTS POTENTIALLY FRACTURING. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 150,000. UPDATED 10/18/17*LJ *TR
Jun 1, 2017 · 150,000 miles
Air bags
TAKATA AIR BAG, MY 2002 RODEO AIRBAG LIGHT IS ON, ON THE DASHBOARD, I CALLED THE DEALER AND THEY SAID ITS NOT PART OF THE RECALLS, IT IS A VEHICLE MADE BY HONDA AND SHOULD BE COVERED UNDER THE RECALLS, ITS THE SAME VEHICLE AS THE HONDA PASSPORT JUST A DIFFERENT YR AND ITS A FLORIDA REGISTERED AUTOMOBILE, HOW CAN I GET HELP WITH THIS AIRBAG PROBLEM, I SHOULDNT HAVE TO PAY FOR THE REPAIRS DUE TO DEFECTS AND RECALLS.
Dec 1, 2016 · 180,000 miles
Service brakes
I HAVE 110,000 MILES ON VEHICLE AND WAS JUST TOLD FRAME IS RUSTING OUT. NOT SAFE TO DRIVE THIS CAR HAS MANY MILES LEFT ON ENGINE, NOT HAPPY ABOUT RUSTED FRAME I HAVE HEARD ABOUT , ALSO ABS LIGHT GOES OFF AND ON.
Jan 5, 2017 · 110,000 miles

Owner complaints are submitted to NHTSA by the public and are not verified. Shown as filed (NHTSA removes personal details); long reports are shortened.

NHTSA defect investigations

Fuel Tank Retention FailureClosed
On April 10, 2018, NHTSA received a petition from Mr. Kevin Byrne (the Petitioner) requesting that the Agency ?undertake a defects investigation? of ?rust-related detachment of Isuzu Rodeo fuel tanks? (NHTSA ID 11091788). The Petitioner experienced a partial fuel tank detachment in his model year (MY) 2004 Isuzu Rodeo in July 2017. On May 23, 2018, ODI opened DP18-001 to evaluate the Petitioner?s request for a defect investigation. ODI sent information request letters to Isuzu and Honda requesting production, design history and field data related to fuel tank retention failures in MY 2001-2004 Isuzu Rodeo, MY 2002-2004 Isuzu Axiom and MY 2001-2002 Honda Passport vehicles equipped with the same fuel tank shield part number as the Petitioner?s vehicle (the ?subject vehicles?). ODI notes that Isuzu manufactured the subject Passport vehicles for Honda. Isuzu implemented a change to the tank…
DP18001 · opened May 23, 2018 · closed Mar 5, 2020
Rear Suspension Lower Link DetachmentClosedLed to recall 10V436000
On September 22, 2010, Isuzu Manufacturing Services of America, Inc (Isuzu) submitted a Defect Information Report (NHTSA Recall 10V-436) to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration affecting approximately 120,000 model year (MY) 1998-2002 Isuzu Rodeo and Honda Passport vehicles and MY 2002 Isuzu Axiom vehicles originally sold, or currently operated, in the following states:Connecticut, Delaware, the District of Columbia, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kentucky, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Vermont, West Virginia and Wisconsin. All vehicle owners will receive the recall notification.Vehicles 10 years of age or younger will be provided with a free remedy.For vehicles older than 10 years, Isuzu will offer a free remedy provided the vehicle is presented to an Isuzu service facility…
EA09018 · opened Dec 7, 2009 · closed Oct 15, 2010
REAR SUSPENSION LOWER LINK FAILUREClosedLed to recall 10V436000
DURING PRELIMINARY EVALUATION PE09-030, ISUZU MOTORS AMERICA, INC (ISUZU) NOTED TWO PRIMARY DIFFERENCES ONCE THE REAR SUSPENSION LOWER LINK SEPARATION OCCURS BETWEEN THE ALLEGED DEFECT (SEPARATION OF THE LOWER LINK FROM THE FRAME) OF THIS INVESTIGATION AND A SAFETY DEFECT INVOLVING LOWER LINK SEPARATION FROM THE REAR AXLE ADDRESSED BY ISUZU IN SAFETY RECALL 00V-058.IN THE CASE OF THE DEFECT CONDITION IDENTIFIED IN RECALL 00V-058, ISUZU STATED THAT THE ATTACHMENT BOLT COULD DETACH FULLY, CAUSING SEPARATION OF THE LOWER LINK FROM THE REAR AXLE POSSIBLY CREATING A LOSS OF VEHICLE CONTROL. ISUZU ALSO STATED THAT THIS CONDITION OCCURS EARLY IN THE SERVICE LIFE OF THE VEHICLE.IN THIS INVESTIGATION ISUZU NOTED LOWER LINK SEPARATION FROM THE FRAME IS A PROGRESSIVE CORROSION ISSUE WITH PRIOR WARNING TO CONSUMERS.ISUZU ALSO STATED THAT IN THE EVENT OF A LOWER LINK SEPARATION FROM THE FRAME, THE…
PE09030 · opened Jun 16, 2009 · closed Dec 8, 2009